Sheffield Wednesday: Gray’s contacts pay off as Owls land Isgrove

Dom Howson

Sheffield Wednesday head coach Stuart Gray has used his contacts at Southampton to sign talented winger Lloyd Isgrove on loan until the end of the season.

One-time Saints boss Gray captured the 22-year-old on an emergency loan deal last night, bringing an end to his lengthy search for a wide player. Isgrove, a graduate of Southampton’s highly-regarded youth system, recently penned a new two-year contract extension at the Premier League club.

A former Wales Under-21 international, Isgrove has made just four first-team appearances for Saints this term, with his last outing coming as a substitute in their cup clash with Ipswich last January.

Gray said: “Lloyd is full of talent. He’s very quick, direct and can run at people. He can take players on and is very quick.

“We’ve not been able to replace Royston Drenthe since he’s left so it was an area we needed to strengthen.

“We are grateful Southampton have let him come to us until the end of the season. Hopefully he will do well here.”

The Owls chief added that Isgrove was one of several wide players he was keeping close tabs on.

Southampton’s executive director of football Les Reed said: “This is a great opportunity for Lloyd [Isgrove] to demonstrate his prowess at a Championship club. We hope he will showcase his talent and return to us a genuine prospect for first-team football next season.”

Isgrove, who enjoyed a loan spell at Peterborough United last season, making 12 appearances, could feature in Saturday’s derby at Rotherham. Gray watched the Millers take on Nottingham Forest last night.

However, it remains unclear when loan striker Will Keane will return to action. Wednesday are currently awaiting news on the 22-year-old’s MRI scan, which he has undergone back at his parent club Manchester United.

Meanwhile, the Football League will release the 2015/16 fixture list on Wednesday, June 17.